Writing a story: Beginning

We've done quite a few "Words on a Page Writing Assignments" so far, and I think it's time I give some step-by-step tips about writing a story. The best place to begin is the beginning, so let's get started!

Don't focus too much on writing a beginning, or any part of the story for that matter. If that's just the way you write, that's okay, but if you usually have trouble writing a story I advise adhering to this rule. Just write it down and go back later if you must.

Keep it short and simple! How many books have you read where the beginning is slow and boring? Things that don't really need to be explained or set up are in the beginning. A short, simple, action-packed sentence is great for starting. Of course, you'll eventually have to revise it. If you just get it on paper, the ideas will most likely flow better than if you were examining every sentence as you went.

First impressions are important! When a story doesn't pick up by about the tenth page. I don't really bother to read the end. Have something at least a little exciting!  The story I'm currently working on is filled with exciting and interesting things. Of course when you're writing about an orphaned princess who's village was destroyed and ends up living in the village of people who destroyed the village, it's gonna be cool. (More on the story later).

Stay on topic. If your story is all over the place, no one is going to get it because it won't make sense. Keep it fairly consistent, but not to much. Exciting, but not crazy.


Introduce your character in a unique way. Don't start off a first person story by saying "Hi, I'm Joe." Or anything too similar. Booorrrinnng. Sure, it's good in some situations, but that beginning is so slow and over used. Introduce it with the beginning of the told story, we'll get the idea, if not, go back and add a better introduction later.

When can I describe my character? When he or she looks in a mirror, or when some on comments on their looks or when it just fits. You'll figure it out. If not: reread the story, think about it and nothing else or ask us.

My beginning sounds sort of cheesy, what do I do? Rewrite it over and over until you're satisfied. or maybe the cheesy beginning fits. Ask some friends who have read the beginning and ask how you can make it better.

If you think of any thing more to add (or just want to say something) comment below!

Writing about you.... or not.

Dairy:
Adjective

 of, for, or pertaining to milk, cream, butter, cheese, etc.: dairy products; the dairy case at a supermarket.

 

Diary:

noun

a daily record, usually private, esp. of the writer's own experiences, observations, feelings, attitudes, etc.

  

That definition of diary is a wonderful explanation of today's "Words on a Page writing assignment". You may already have a diary, if you don't keep reading and if you do, keep reading. Something I have never been able to do is keep a diary, or log, or journal, or what ever you want to call it. It just doesn't work. I forget about it, or decide I'm just not that exciting. 

Ever since I was five I tried to keep a diary. Ever since I was five, I failed. Until not too long ago. Here's what I did and what you're going to do: get a blank 70 page notebook. As often as possible, write in it. At the top, write the date. When I'm writing about myself I change my name and exaggerate a little. That way, there's no risk of you quitting journal writing because you find yourself boring. 

Another thing I do is write just random things. It's like I'm writing page 97 of a book. No beginning, middle or end. Just writing to write. It doesn't have to make sense or sound good. It doesn't have to fill up a page. Just make sure everything you write had the date on it. You'll be glad in the future when you look through your old notebooks. 

If you have a story in your journal you're especially proud of, submit it here for the world to see!

 

 

  

 

Do You See What I See?

"Write, write, write!" Chances are, if you get a book on writing you're probably going to read those words. And you know what, practice makes perfect. No, I'm not going to ask you to sit around at you local mall and write down everything you see. If you do that, you'll just get weird stares. Instead, I'm going to ask you to pay attention when you go to wal-mart, or the mall, or wherever! Just don't stare, that's rude. Just make a mental note of people who walk by, or the person who checks out your groceries. Keep a notebook in your car to write it down. After a few different trips to the grocery store, look over the people you wrote down. Choose your favorite and write a short story with him (or her) as the main character.